Adolescent Boys Research Articles

Социальные верования и основания морального выбора как предикторы гражданской идентичности подростков

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective. </strong>The analysis of social beliefs and the foundations for moral choice as predictors of the civic identity of adolescents. <br><strong>Background. </strong>Despite the expressed interest of researchers in the patterns of formation of civic identity in adolescence, at this stage there is no unambiguous data on the influence of social beliefs and foundations for moral choice on the civic identity of Russian adolescents. <br><strong>Study design. </strong>A comparative and correlation analysis was carried out to describe the characteristics of the respondents' social beliefs, foundations for moral choice and civic identity. Using the structural equation modeling method, predictors of the civic identity of adolescents of different genders were identified (taking into account their age and gender). <br><strong>Participants. </strong>The sample consisted of 424 respondents aged 14–18 years, including 189 boys and 235 girls. The study participants are students of schools, colleges and higher educational institutions in Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad region. <br><strong>Measurements. </strong>The following methods were used in the study: "Social axioms" by M. Bond and K. Leung in the adaptation by A.N. Tatarko and N.M. Lebedeva, the scale "Faith in a just world" by K. Dalbert in the adaptation by S.K. Nartova-Bochaver and N.B. Astanina, the method "Moral foundations" by J. Graham and J. Haidt, adapted by O.V. Sychev et al., "The Valence of Civic Identity" by N.M. Lebedeva and A.N. Tatarko.<br><strong>Results. </strong>According to the obtained model (χ2 = 110, <em>df</em> = 43, <em>p </em>< 0,01, <em>CFI </em>= 0,88, <em>RMSEA </em>= 0,06), positive predictors of civic identity in adolescents are the basis of moral choice "Loyalty", social axioms "Reward for efforts" and "Control over fate"; indicators of the foundation for moral choice make a negative contribution "Justice" and "Respect", and the influence of the latter weakens as teenagers grow up. Specific predictors of the civic identity of adolescent girls are the individual foundation for moral choice ("Care" and "Justice"), as well as the social axioms "Social complexity" and "Reward for efforts"; for adolescent boys, the specific predictors of civic identity turned out to be the social axiom "Social cynicism", as well as "Loyalty" as a rallying factor a moral foundation. <br><strong>Conclusions. </strong>The structure of predictors of civic identity, represented by social axioms and the foundations of moral choice, partially differs for male and female adolescents, and also changes slightly as adolescents grow up.</p>

Girls and Boys Typically Have Similar Math Value Beliefs: Replication Evidence Across Historical Time, High School, and Racial/Ethnic Groups.

Individuals' math value beliefs are theorized to influence who persists in STEM. However, the existing findings on gender differences in adolescents' math value beliefs are inconsistent. The goal of this study was to use three existing datasets to help clarify when gender differences emerge for high school adolescents and for whom (i.e., adolescents across historical time, grade level, and race/ethnicity). Specifically, we examined the extent to which gender differences in adolescents' math value beliefs (i.e., interest, utility, and attainment) replicated (1) across three datasets spanning the 1990s to 2010s, (2) from 9th-12th grade, and (3) within each of the four largest U.S. racial/ethnic groups (i.e., Asian, Black, Latine, and White adolescents). We tested these aims with three existing longitudinal U.S. datasets: the California Achievement Motivation Project (CAMP) (n = 8855), the Childhood and Beyond Study (CAB) (n = 582), and the High School Longitudinal Study (HSLS) (n = 21,000). Students were in high school (9th-12th grade) and half were girls (49%-53%). All three datasets included measures with the same or similar math value belief items, making conceptual replication possible. Overall, we did not find strong evidence for meaningful gender differences in adolescents' math value beliefs overall. We did find meaningful gender differences in the oldest data set (CAB). When examined within each racial/ethnic group, we found no evidence of gender differences in math value beliefs among Black or Latine adolescents, but some differences among Asian and White adolescents. The findings align with the gender similarities hypothesis, suggesting adolescent girls and boys had similar math value beliefs.

Bike-Riding Training may Improve Communication Skills and Stereotyped Behavior in Adolescents With Autism.

This research aimed to establish whether 12 weeks of bicycle-riding skills exercises with massed and distributed practice frequency at low and high intensity affect communication performance and stereotyped behavior among adolescent boys with autism. Fifty autistic boys aged 13.3 ± 1.32 years participated in the study. The participants were divided into homogeneous experimental groups (N = 10) with dissimilar training frequencies and intensities, along with a control group. Pre-tests using the GARS-2 test were administered to assess stereotyped behavior and communication skills, followed by post-tests and a one-month follow-up. Non-parametric Kruskal Wallis and ANCOVA results at a significance level of 0.05 showed that there was a significant difference in the post-test of stereotyped behavior and communication skills (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) and follow-up test one month later (p = 0.003, p = 0.048, respectively) between the intervention and control groups after performing bike riding skills exercises with low and high intensities and frequencies (one and three sessions per week). Regardless of the intensity and frequency, bike riding skills training during the critical period of adolescence can significantly reduce stereotyped behaviors and enhance communication skills, which can also support positive development in other domains for individuals with autism.

Anaemia and iron deficiency in India: a venous blood-based survey of adolescents, adults, and the elderly in eight states.

Surveys based on capillary blood show that anaemia is rampant in India, but capillary blood haemoglobin (Hb) may not accurately reflect venous blood Hb concentrations. Further, iron deficiency (ID) is thought to be the main cause of anaemia, there are no venous blood-based surveys to confirm this. A community-based (urban, slum and rural) cross-sectional, venous blood survey was conducted in eight Indian states to estimate anaemia and ID prevalences from Hb and inflammation-corrected plasma ferritin concentrations in adolescents, adults, and elderly. The prevalence of anaemia was 44%, 41% and 45% in adolescent girls, adult and elderly women respectively, compared to 24%, 21% and 37% in adolescent boys, adult, and elderly men. The overall prevalence varied widely, ranging from 12% in Meghalaya to 70% in Assam. Mild anaemia prevalence was predominant at about half of overall anaemia prevalence. ID-associated anaemia (IDA) prevalence was less than a third of the overall anaemia prevalence, and varied among age and sex groups, approaching 45% only in adolescent girls. IDA prevalence was even lower in the mild anaemia group. Thus, the major proportion of anaemia in all groups was associated with 'other' causes. Anaemia prevalence, when measured by venous blood Hb, was substantially lower than earlier capillary blood-based estimates and was predominantly of the mild variety. The prevalence of IDA was also much lower than anticipated; therefore, the aetiological role of ID appears not to be predominant. These results have policy implications for anaemia prevention and correction at the population level.

Human papillomavirus vaccination coverage among adolescent boys and girls in the United States: A birth year cohort analysis of the National Immunization Survey-Teen, 2016–2022.

ObjectiveTo evaluate human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage among adolescents in the U.S. using birth cohort analysis. MethodsWe conducted a birth cohort analysis among adolescents born during 1999–2009 using National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen), a random-digit dialed household telephone survey that also includes vaccination data from providers. We analyzed 131,553 records from 2016 to 2022 NIS-Teen data to determine: trends in coverage with ≥1 HPV vaccine dose before age 13 years and cumulative coverage from age 13–17 years; sociodemographic factors associated with HPV vaccination before age 13 years; missed HPV vaccination opportunities and the potential achievable coverage if opportunities were not missed; and trends in completion of HPV vaccination series. Regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier method provided the average percentage increase in coverage, and cumulative coverage from age 13–17 years stratified by birth cohorts, respectively. ResultsHPV vaccination initiation before age 13 years increased from 27.0 % among adolescents born in 1999 to 69.8 % among those born in 2009. Overall, cumulative percent with ≥1 HPV vaccine dose increased from 51.3 % before age 13 years to 74.9 % through age 17 years. Having a preventive visit at ages 11–12 years and being insured were associated with higher ≥1 HPV vaccine dose coverage. Among the 38,568 (29.3 %) adolescents unvaccinated for HPV, 31,513 (82.5 %) missed ≥1 HPV vaccination opportunity. The potential achievable coverage if opportunities were not missed was 94.8 %. Completion of HPV vaccination series before age 13 years increased from 10.3 % among adolescents born in 1999 to 42.2 % among those born in 2009. ConclusionsCoverage with ≥1 HPV vaccine dose increased by birth cohort among adolescents born 1999–2009 but remained suboptimal, especially among uninsured adolescents. Missed opportunities may be reduced by effective HPV vaccination implementation and uptake strategies and by administering all recommended vaccines during the same visit.

Intermittent Testicular Torsion in Adolescents: Underdiagnosed Entity

Abstract Intermittent scrotal pain in adolescents is often an underdiagnosed and missed entity because of the brief presentation and spontaneous resolution. Inadequate history and casual counseling can lead to acute torsion which is an important cause of surgical emergency in males leading to testicular ischemia. The adolescent boys with history of intermittent scrotal pain radiating from groin associated with nausea/vomiting should be examined clinically to rule out transverse lie of bilateral testis, Bell Clapper variant. An ultrasound scrotum should be done to rule out the oedema in cord structure and the bell clapper variant of testis. Presence of these signs should be kept as red flags to counsel parents for impending danger of testicular torsion. This advocates the need to offer prophylactic orchidopexy in such males to prevent testicular ischemia. The two comparative case presentations emphasize the importance of early pick of the clinical signs which can create the difference in management of these group of adolescent boys.

Health and economic impact of oral PrEP provision across subgroups in western Kenya: a modelling analysis

IntroductionOral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a priority intervention for scale-up in countries with high HIV prevalence. Policymakers must decide how to optimise PrEP allocation to maximise health benefits within limited...

Trust to the Mother Among Adolescents From Single-Parent Families and the Structure of Its Predictors

The scientific and psychological validity of the a priori attitude of practicing psychologists and parents in solving the urgent problem of adolescent distrust has been verified that the trusting attitude of adolescents towards parents exists only in the form of opposition; trust or distrust based on a previously developed model for studying ambivalent trust. The aim of the research was to study the features of the classified ratios of trust/distrust to a mother in adolescents from single-parent families and the role of order in the structure of predictors of trust in a mother in these ratios. The study involved adolescent boys and girls, in the number of 177 people aged 15 years, raised in families where the only parent living with a teenager is the mother. The following methods were used: content analysis based on expert assessments; subjective scaling according to specified parameters; statistical technology for developing the construct classification of the trust/distrust ratio; approximation by hyperbolic rank parametric distribution; nonparametric statistics. It was found that 1) only 19% of the respondents have “absolute trust” and “absolute distrust”, and the rest have different variants of ambivalent trust (p<0.01). 2) significant predictors of adolescents trust in the mother are: a) “trust in me”; b) honesty; c) reliability; d) fairness; e) commitment to fulfilling promises; f) an unappreciative attitude. 3) the average value of the β coefficient is higher in the “positive” variant of ambivalent trust, when adolescents from single-parent families have both trust and distrust of their mother, but trust significantly prevails over distrust.

Dietary quality, anaemia prevalence and their associated factors among rural school- going adolescents in Acholi sub -region of Uganda

BackgroundGlobally, iron deficiency anaemia is a widespread public health problem affecting vulnerable populations including adolescents. However, over the years, the Uganda Demographic Health Surveys mostly report the status of anaemia for women of reproductive age (15–49 years) and children up to 5 years, leaving out the focus on adolescents. Moreover, high prevalence of anaemia among children below five years could suggest that anaemia still persists at adolescence. Therefore, the study aimed at determining dietary quality, prevalence of anaemia and their associated factors among school-going adolescents.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 341 adolescent boys and girls aged 10–19 years was carried out in two rural schools in Gulu district. Prevalence of anaemia was determined by obtaining blood specimens from a finger prick into a microcuvette and analysed for haemoglobin (Hb) level using Haemoglobin analyser, whereas dietary quality was assessed using the Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS). Socio-economic and demographic data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire.ResultsThe overall prevalence of anaemia was 16.0% (Girls:18.1%; Boys:13.0%), while the mean Hb level was 13.2 ± 1.4 g/dl (Girls 13.0 ± 1.3 g/dl; Boys 13.5 ± 1.6 g/dl). The mean number of food groups consumed among the adolescents was 3.5 ± 2.1 for girls and 3.0 ± 1.8 for boys (p˃0.05). Animal source foods, fruits and vitamin A-rich vegetables, other fruits and vegetables were consumed by adolescent girls more than the boys. Similarly, a higher proportion of adolescent girls than boys consumed iron-rich foods: fish and meat, organ meat and dark green leafy vegetables. Further, all the socio-demographic factors in the study did not predict dietary diversity (p ˃ 0.05). On the other hand, education attainment by parent/guardian and nature of menstruation predicted the prevalence of anaemia amongst adolescents (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe prevalence of anaemia was high among adolescents. Coupled with this, there, was low dietary diversity among the adolescents. The level of education of the parent/guardian and nature of the menstrual discharge were significant predictors of anaemia amongst girls. From this study, we recommend interventions by both health and agricultural-related practitioners to strengthen activities in rural schools such as health and nutrition education to create awareness about dietary diversity and promotion of agricultural practices such as school vegetable gardens, orchards poultry production and rearing of small ruminants to support consumption of diverse foods in schools with the view of reducing the burden from iron deficiency anaemia.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the 11-item ostracism experience scale for adolescents (OES-A) in community adolescents

ABSTRACT We aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Ostracism Experience Scale (OES) for adolescents. A total of 505 high school students participated in this study (mean age = 16.66 ± 1.10 years, 52.7% females). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided support to the two-factor model originally proposed. All indices suggested that the configural, metric, and scalar invariance were supported across gender. Composite reliability of scores was adequate in the total sample for the total scale (ω = .89/α = .89), as well as the ignored (ω = .89/α = .89) and excluded (ω = .91/α = .91) subscales. Ostracism total scores were associated with more physical and verbal aggression, anger, and hostility, as well as lower self-esteem. The findings of this study give credence to the use of the Arabic version of the OES-A short form among Arabic-speaking adolescent boys and girls and support its use as a self-report screening tool for ostracism.

Food insecurity and BMI are associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents in Yogyakarta province, Indonesia, during the COVID-19 pandemic: a 1-year longitudinal study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented multifaceted challenges globally, impacting adolescent health. Among these, food security and nutrition are intertwined closely with mental health outcomes. In Indonesia, with its diverse socio-economic landscape, these interconnections may have been exacerbated by the pandemic. This study investigated the relationship between food security, nutrition and adolescent mental health in Indonesia during COVID-19. Longitudinal data were collected from 511 adolescent boys and girls in 2021-2022 in Gunungkidul district, Yogyakarta. Food security was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and the validated Kessler-10 Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used to measure adolescent depression. Multivariate linear regression and linear mixed-effects regression were employed to explore associations between these variables, while adjusting for sex, age, pubertal status and household income. Overall, food insecurity score was positively associated with depressive symptoms (β: 0·72, 95 % CI 0·52, 0·92), while BMI z-score was inversely associated (β: -0·31, 95 % CI 0·68, -0·03). We found an increase in strength of association between food insecurity and depressive symptoms over time (moderately food-insecure: β: 1·36 (95 % CI -0·10, 2·83) to 4·63 (95 % CI 2·17, 7·09); severely food-insecure: β: 1·89 (95 % CI 0·36, 3·41) to 3·30 (95 % CI 1·50, 5·10). Enhancing food access, improving nutritional status and providing mental health support are crucial components of adolescent health.

Navigating complexities: gaming addiction, anger expression and social interaction among adolescent boys in Pakistan

Purpose Video gaming has become a popular leisure-time activity with two to three billion users worldwide (Newzoo, 2017; Vuong et al., 2021). Although existing knowledge shows its relationship with anger and aggression, the present study aims to extend this focus by assessing whether anger expression mediates the association of gaming addition with social interaction among Pakistani adolescent boys. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 300 adolescent boys (M age = 14.6, SD = 1.2) from private schools was selected. The participants were assessed on Anger Expression Scale (Shafaqat, 2016), Social Interaction and Technology Use Questionnaire (Henderson et al., 1999) and Game Addiction Scale (Lemmens et al., 2009) to assess their levels of anger expression, social interaction and gaming addiction. Findings Analysis revealed that gaming addiction and anger expression were significantly and negatively related to social interaction. Gaming addiction was positively correlated with anger expression. Mediation analyses showed that anger expression significantly explained the negative link between gaming addiction and social interaction. Originality/value The study highlights anger and lack of social interaction as important consequences of gaming addiction in adolescent boys.

Malleable and Static Risk Factors Associated with Boys' Patterns of Interpersonal Violence: A Latent Class Analysis.

Despite an increased risk of committing and experiencing violence among adolescent boys, little is known about either how different types of violence co-occur within individuals or their association with different risk factors. This study used a person-centered approach to (1) identify patterns in boys' perpetration and victimization across a range of 7 types of interpersonal violence (bullying, electronic aggression, sexual harassment/aggression; and psychological/ physical/sexual dating violence); and (2) examine the association of these patterns with 12 risk factors at the individual, relational, and community level to inform future prevention efforts. We used latent class analysis to identify patterns of violence among a diverse sample of 239 adolescent boys from 12 schools in 4 regions of the United States. Four classes were identified: The LOW-ALL group (36.4% of the sample) described boys unlikely to commit or experience any forms of violence. The PERP-MULTI group (20.9%) included boys with a high probability of committing bullying and sexual harassment and a relatively lower probability of experiencing sexual harassment. The EQUAL-PEER-SH group (33.5%) described boys with a high probability of both committing and experiencing sexual harassment, bullying, and electronic aggression. The smallest group of boys, labeled HIGH-ALL (9.2%), were at a high probability of committing and experiencing nearly all types of violence examined. We used weighted multiple-group analysis to compare risk factors across the latent groups identified. Attitudes supporting violence, internalized traditional masculinity, delinquency, school withdrawal, and both family and community violence exposure were significantly higher in groups with a high likelihood to commit various types of violence. These findings provide practical guidance for enhancing universal and selected violence prevention efforts for adolescent boys.

Associations between violence in childhood, depression and suicide attempts in adolescence: evidence from a cohort study in Luwero district, Uganda

BackgroundMany studies have documented an association between violence victimisation and poor mental health. However, few studies use longitudinal data from low- and middle-income countries with attention to how associations differ by experiencing specific types of violence or alongside different contexts of peer and family support. In this study, we quantify the association between experiences of violence in early adolescence and depression and suicide attempts in late adolescence and explore whether this association is modified by family and peer connectedness.MethodsData came from the Contexts of Violence Against Children (CoVAC) cohort study in Luwero District, Uganda, involving 2773 participants aged 11–14 years at Wave 1 (2014) and 15–18 years at Wave 2 (2018). Physical, sexual, and emotional violence were measured at Wave 1. Mental health outcomes, depression symptoms in the past two weeks, and lifetime suicide attempts were measured at Wave (2) We used logistic regression models, stratified by sex, to estimate adjusted odds ratios with an interaction term to test for effect modification by peer and family connectedness at Wave 1.FindingsAt Wave 1, the prevalence of any violence from any perpetrator was 90% (physical violence: 87%, physical violence excluding caning: 68%, sexual violence: 6.3%, emotional violence: 56.8%). At Wave 2, 13.3% of participants had scores indicative of depression and 4.3% reported ever attempting suicide. Physical violence excluding caning, emotional violence, and sexual violence during early adolescence increased the odds of depression and attempting suicide in late adolescence for both boys and girls. Experiencing any violence (including caning) in early adolescence was not associated with depression in late adolescence, including in sex-stratified models. Childhood experience of any violence was associated with a suicide attempt violence in early adolescence (aOR: 2.60; 95%CI: 1.08, 6.27). High peer support mitigated the effect of any violence and physical violence on depression.ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance of efforts to prevent violence and improve access to response and support services for violence and mental health for young people. Findings also underscore the important role friends and peer networks can play in mitigating the effects of violence as young people grow up.

Sibling and Parental Military Service and Suicidality Among Adolescents in the United States.

This study aims to examine whether having a sibling and/or a parent on active duty in the military is associated with suicidality-think about death, better off dead, think about suicide, plan suicide, and attempt suicide-among 12- to 17-year-old adolescent girls and boys in the United States. Descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted using pooled cross-sectional public-use data from the 2016-2019 National Survey of Drug Use and Health. Analyses were weighted and standard errors were adjusted for the complex sampling design. Having a sibling on active duty increases the likelihood of reporting all five suicidality outcomes. Having a parent on active duty increases the likelihood of each of the suicidality outcomes except think about death for both adolescent boys and girls relative to adolescents without a parent in the military. Adolescent girls who have a parent serving in the military are more likely to report suicidal ideation (better off dead, think about suicide) than adolescent boys who have a parent currently serving in the military but are equally likely to report suicide planning and attempt. Those working clinically with military families should be mindful of the association between suicidality and sibling military service, as well as parental military service. Programs aiming to reduce the negative impact of sibling deployment need to be developed and tested empirically. The current findings suggest the need for targeted family-centered approaches to suicide prevention among youth with siblings, parents, and potentially other relatives currently serving in the armed forces.

Perceived parenting styles and adolescents' problematic internet use: Examining the parent–child same‐sex matching effect

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined how perceived parenting styles (i.e., rejection, emotional warmth) are linked to adolescents' problematic internet use (PIU) through emotion regulation strategies (i.e., expressive suppression, cognitive reappraisal). The same‐sex matching effect (i.e., matching between parents and adolescents of the same sex) was explored.BackgroundPIU is a significant public health concern for adolescents. Although the theoretical connection between family factors and PIU is recognized, the specific associations of negative and positive parenting styles of both fathers and mothers with PIU in adolescent boys and girls remain unclear.MethodA national sample of 2,690 Chinese adolescents (47.5% male; mean age = 13.75 years, SD = 2.72) from 37 primary and high schools participated, completing self‐report measures.ResultsExpressive suppression mediated only the relation between maternal rejection and PIU, whereas cognitive reappraisal mediated the relations between both maternal and paternal emotional warmth and PIU. A same‐sex matching effect was observed between fathers and sons.ConclusionBoth perceived paternal and maternal parenting styles are associated with adolescents' PIU through emotion regulation strategies.ImplicationsBoth mothers and fathers are advised to minimize rejection while simultaneously improving emotional warmth. The unique influence of fathers on their sons' PIU requires further exploration. Clinicians are encouraged to prioritize interventions that enhance cognitive reappraisal and reduce expressive suppression when working with adolescents experiencing PIU.

Mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour among adolescents in Kerala, India

Purpose Adolescence is a stage where genetic and environmental vulnerabilities can emerge as behavioural and emotional disorders. Early detection and seeking professional help are critical for these groups. This study aims to explore how mental health literacy (MHL) and other demographic variables impact help-seeking behaviour among adolescents in India. Design/methodology/approach This quantitative study used a structured questionnaire comprising demographic variables and standardized measurement tools to assess MHL, and help-seeking behaviour among adolescent pupils. Two hundred students aged 14 and above were randomly selected, with informed consent of themselves and their parents, from selected public and private schools in Ernakulam district, Kerala, India. Findings The mean age of the sample was 14.5 and 67% belonged to nuclear families with the majority being male (64%). The help-seeking attitude was negatively associated with the ability to recognize disorders among male students and positively associated with attitudes that promote recognition or appropriate help-seeking behaviour among female students. Additionally, hailing from extended families was associated with help-seeking behaviour among adolescent boys, but this relationship was not significant for girls. Originality/value The current study has identified that targeted interventions for male adolescents should focus on enhancing disorder recognition and leveraging family support, while those for female adolescents, the programs should promote positive attitudes towards recognizing mental health issues and help-seeking behaviours, integrating families and schools in the process.

Enactment of Gender Roles and Their Implications on Viral Load (VL) Testing Appointments and Drug Adherence among Adolescent Boys on Anti-Retro-Viral Therapy (ART) in Siaya County of Kenya

There has been a significant decline in HIV-related deaths by 51%, down from between 970 000 and 1.8 million in 2010 to approximately 630 000 in 2022 except for the adolescent boys. Viral Load testing and drug adherence are recommended to monitor ART failure and reduce HIV-related mortalities. Whereas gender norms ascribe specific roles to men, which have been documented to have negative outcomes on their health, whether this has also extended to adolescent boys and affected their VL testing appointments and drug adherence remains underexplored. This insight is significant in high HIV prevalence areas that have recorded differentials in HIV-related deaths among this population, such as Siaya County of Western Kenya. This paper used a cross-sectional survey to investigate the implications of gender role enactment on VL testing and drug adherence among adolescent boys on ART in Siaya County, Kenya. A sample of 263 boys on ART was interviewed, and two focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were held with the boys, while three key informant interviews were conducted with healthcare practitioners and government officers. Enactment of gender roles has been found to interfere with the uptake of VL testing and drug adherence since the boys often take up tough manual jobs to fend for the family as a priority over medication. It is concluded that the breadwinner role being played by the boys seriously affects the honouring of VL testing and taking of ART drugs; hence, interventions aimed at cushioning the families housing the boys should be initiated.

Syntactic Growth of Adolescent Boys With Fragile X Syndrome or Down Syndrome: A Longitudinal Study.

The current study addresses a gap in the literature regarding syntactic development of adolescent boys with fragile X syndrome (FXS) and Down syndrome (DS). Specifically, we ask whether syntactic skills plateau or continue to change during adolescence for these groups and whether the profile of syntactic change differs between boys with FXS and those with DS. Participants were 38 boys with FXS (with and without autism) and 20 boys with DS between the ages of 10 and 16 years, as well as 33 boys who were neurotypical between the ages of 3 and 8 years at study entry. Trained examiners evaluated the participants annually for four consecutive years. The evaluation included standardized language assessments and a conversational language sample, which was analyzed using mean length of utterance-morphemes and the Index of Productive Syntax. For each measure, we fit a series of candidate models, including the intercept-only model and models with nonverbal cognition and maternal IQ as moderators. We then used Akaike's information criteria-corrected to determine which model in a candidate set had the most empirical evidence. Our between-groups results indicated that FXS and DS have distinct syntactic profiles. However, our growth analyses and moderator analyses yielded mixed results. For most measures, the most likely models suggest that there is no plateau in the growth of syntactic skills for boys with FXS or DS and that nonverbal cognition is associated with the rate of change. These results suggest that syntactic change continues to occur throughout adolescence for boys with FXS or DS. The results also indicate that the growth profiles are distinct between the two groups. Future research with more participants from more diverse backgrounds would add more clarity to these findings. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.27984548.

Correction of the motor sphere of adolescents with mild mental retardation based on the development of coordination abilities

Importance. The solution to the problem of correcting the motor sphere of children with intellectual disabilities lies in the development of coordination abilities. The purpose of the work is to develop and experimentally substantiate a set of exercises aimed at correcting the development of coordination abilities of adolescents with a mild degree of mental retardation.Materials and Methods. The study has been conducted among students of the Shuya Correctional Boarding School. The participants have been 13–14 year old teenagers (24 people). A set of 40 exercises has been developed, which is aimed at correcting motor actions caused by a low degree of development of coordination abilities. The exercises are divided into three blocks: for balance development (15 exercises); exercises for developing precision of movements (15 exercises) and for developing the ability to differentiate muscle efforts (10 exercises). They are performed from various initial positions of the body in space: standing, sitting, lying on the stomach and back, standing on one leg, knee, toes and heels, with open and closed eyes. The set of exercises was implemented during the 2023/2024 academic year. The degree of development of coordination abilities has been assessed using the following tests: “shuttle run 3×10”, “jumping rope in 1 minute”, “throwing a ball at a target”, “Romberg test”.Results and Discussion. It is established that the use of a set of special exercises allows to increase the degree of development of coordination abilities in adolescents aged 13–14. The results of adolescent boys and girls who attended physical education lessons using a special set became significantly higher than those of adolescents whose classes were conducted without an accentuated development of coordination abilities.Conclusion. According to the final test results, a positive effect of the exercise complex on the development of coordination abilities in adolescents with mild mental retardation has been revealed.